Braintree Town striker Dan Holman feels he is getting back to the sharpness that saw him bag 11 goals last season.

It has been a frustrating start to the current campaign for the 23-year-old former Histon forward after picking up a shoulder injury in the early part of the season.

But he is hoping his goal in the Iron’s 2-1 defeat by Luton Town on Tuesday will have caught the eye of boss Alan Devonshire.

Holman dropped to the bench for that game, but came on to fire home a long-range goal that triggered an impressive Braintree fightback and he hopes that it will have helped earn a recall into the starting line-up for tomorrow’s Skrill Premier trip to Alfreton Town.

“I was a bit disappointed to be on the bench against Luton but hopefully I made an impact when I came on,” said Holman.

“That’s the way to get the manager’s attention.

“It has been a bit frustrating so far this season though.

“I worked so hard in the off season, but then went and did my shoulder in one of our early games.

“It just popped out and I tore a ligament in it.

“I was disappointed with that, but hopefully I can get my confidence, keep getting goals and kick on.

“I still have to keep strengthening the shoulder, though, and hope it stays put.

“But I do feel as if my sharpness is back.

“With the games that I’ve come on in and then in the run of three starts I’ve had since returning from the injury, I have felt sharp.

“While it’s alright doing it in training, it always takes a few games to get the real match fitness back but I feel good now and I feel I can push on.”

Defenders Sam Habergham (ankle) and Alan Massey (concussion) are set to miss the trip to Alfreton.